As part of our He Toi Hou programme, Shifting Centre returns to Kia Mau Festival 2025 with their new work, The Circle. A work that explores themes of support, celebration and what true liberation can look like for oneself and as a collective.

The Circle is a dance theatre work which is set in a fantastical world, following a community of characters as they journey through their shared present in search of Utopia. 

This work delves into themes of support and celebration, underscoring that true liberation is not only found in standing together through struggle but also in actively celebrating each other’s successes.

As the narrative unfolds, the characters are challenged to confront the complexities of what support really means, recognising that it takes on many different forms for different people.

He Toi Hou brings together the most innovative and thought-provoking contemporary Indigenous arts. This pou is a testament to the spirit of creation and offers a space for fresh, dynamic works to make their debut, allowing audiences to experience the raw power and authenticity of new voices or old voices in new ways.

Kia Mau Festival is at the forefront of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous arts in Aotearoa and beyond. We are innovators—pushing boundaries, redefining forms, and forging new paths with creative risk-taking at every step.Right here, right now, we bring together local, national, and international artists in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. We find the intersection where our stories intertwine, creating an experience that is uniquely 'local' yet unparalleled in Pōneke throughout the year.

Kia Mau Festival offers a truly unique experience, led by Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous voices at every level—from our leadership to our artists and audiences. Unlike any other festival, we are not just a platform for presentations; we are a hub for kōrero and whanaungatanga.